Wake up in super-stylish surroundings. Eat a breakfast of fresh fruit followed by a monster-portioned cooked affair while watching dolphins frolic in a crystal-clear ocean. Head to a white sandy beach and sunbathe next to penguins. (I know it's sounding far-fetched, but bear with us...) Drive inland through postcard-perfect vineyards and indulge in a mouth-watering meal in Franschhoek. Wash down that gourmet lunch with heaven-sent wine.

The list could go on, but we're starting to sound more like a holiday programme on Discovery than reality. The fact is, time spent holidaying in Cape Town isn't to your average drill. It's an anything-but-ordinary destination. The only time your brow will be tempted to furrow is when faced with the array of activities. 'Oh, to laze by a pool and recharge for cocktail-fuelled good times in De Waterkant or Camps Bay, or should we get off our derrières and hike up Table Mountain?'

A typical day could include all of the above, which is why we couldn't resist sticking our noses in and get busy spreading the word on the array of fantastic places to stay in this southernmost swathe of Africa.

Here are three favourites to whet your wanderlust - to enjoy the full Cape Town collection and for a blueprint to the most exceptional escape, go to the Cape Town section of Mr & Mrs Smith's website.

Birkenhead House, Hermanus

Relaxing in this private peninsula paradise, an hour and a half from CT, is like necking a can of liquid yoga followed by a double-shot of soul-uplifter. The 11 simple-but-sumptuous suites are priced R3,800–R5,950 a night; this includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks for you both. For more info or to book a stay, click here.

Cape Cove, Fresnaye

This six-roomed two-pooled ocean-view retreat on the foothills of Lion’s Head is magnificently modern, but with good old-fashioned hospitality sensibilities. Rooms R1,265–R3,200. For more info or to book a stay, click here.